January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part III !!!

[drakes]

Hey Disney Friends!

My name is Kelley and we're going to Disney in Jan 09!! We're getting very excited. It's actually a "last minute" trip planned and I'm starting to panic!

We are staying in a timeshare in Lake Buena Vista, so we won't actually be on Disney this time. This is my son's first trip though and he's very excited. (He'll be 3 in December).

I still have SO much planning to do so any advice would be great!! Please give me any advice or direct me to some great resources! Couple questions though:

I keep hearing about discount codes for theme park tickets? We haven't purchased our tickets yet and I wondering if we could find some discounts.

How many meals to you make reservations for? I'm trying to decide if I should make reservations for more than one meal a day or leave some plans open.

I feel like I'm so far behind, but looking forward to meeting each of you and getting lots of ideas!!

Hi Kelley,
As you are not staying on Disney Property you may be eating some meals elsewhere - other than disney
Personally we have booked a reservation for every meal. We are on the dining plan. I found in jan 2007 having a reservation saved us time. We showed up a few minutes before, sometime were a few minutes late, but we were seated right away. While others who had no ressies were sitting waiting for a table to come available. The only place we had to wait was at Sci Fi Dine In, and that was because we were late, it was our first day and we couldn't find it. All our table service meals were just as quick as our counter service meals. Character Buffets were the best. I would recommend Crystal Palace with Winnie Breakfast, Chef Mickey's for dinner, and we're going to Ohana for Lilo and Stitch for the first time this trip!

Hope this helps. The dis is the best place for answers.

 

[jenjolt]

Hey Disney Friends!

My name is Kelley and we're going to Disney in Jan 09!! We're getting very excited. It's actually a "last minute" trip planned and I'm starting to panic!

We are staying in a timeshare in Lake Buena Vista, so we won't actually be on Disney this time. This is my son's first trip though and he's very excited. (He'll be 3 in December).

I still have SO much planning to do so any advice would be great!! Please give me any advice or direct me to some great resources! Couple questions though:

I keep hearing about discount codes for theme park tickets? We haven't purchased our tickets yet and I wondering if we could find some discounts.

How many meals to you make reservations for? I'm trying to decide if I should make reservations for more than one meal a day or leave some plans open.

I feel like I'm so far behind, but looking forward to meeting each of you and getting lots of ideas!!

WELCOME KELLEY!

I got an A+ on my Disney paper! My professor even wants a copy for his files.
I thought it wasn't very good. I was so stressed last week while I was working on it, and I was worried that he'd know.

Now I'm waiting for the rest of my group to arrive so we can work on the visual part of a group project. I'm going to be so happy when this group project is over....

OOH CONGRATS!! THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!

 

[pamouselover]

I got an A+ on my Disney paper! My professor even wants a copy for his files.
I thought it wasn't very good. I was so stressed last week while I was working on it, and I was worried that he'd know.
Now I'm waiting for the rest of my group to arrive so we can work on the visual part of a group project. I'm going to be so happy when this group project is over....

That is great! Congrats....

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Jenny, I just noticed we are going to be at CBR mostly the same time! We'll be there the 26th to 2/1! We'll have to look for each other.

Well I probably won't be around much this afternoon. So I just wanted to say Good Luck to Sarah and Kayte tomorrow. The Snowbirds will keep you lifted up in prayer. Check in when you can. Get lots of rest for a speedy recovery!

I was thinking that since all this code business is over that it's getting to be time to start thinking about some Snowbird Meets! I'm not sure what all everyone has talked about or planned for the beginning of the month, but I know that there has been a lot of talk and PM's about some meets later in the month. . . Right now we are looking at possibly meeting for the 3:00 parade at DHS on Jan 22nd. . . And possibly sometime in the afternoon at DTD on the 25th. . . There was some talk about a CBR meet. . . And an All Star meet. . . Nothing is set in stone yet. . . If there are anymore meets being set up please let me know and I will get a list going. It would be nice if we had at least one for every week in January so that everyone has a chance to go to one if they want to. And if you don't feel comfortable going to one that's totally understandable too. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate or time consuming (I know we all have schedules we like to keep ), just enough time to stop and say hello and maybe take a few pictures.

Please give me your thoughts and I will get to work on that tomorrow!

We all definately need to get together! By a pool somewhere...with drinks...

Sarah and Kayte, hope tomorrow goes well for both of you, and you both have speedy recoveries.

As for me, I haven't been around to much...DH hit me with I am about to be unemployed. He is the mayor breadwinner in our house. I teach plus work a part time job. Not enough to support our family of five that is for sure. My oldest is in the middle of filling out college applications, and I have twins who are 12. Christmas is coming up and thank goodness I am almost done and it is paid for in full, no credit. My trips are paid in full, so most of it is non refundable, so we are going.

The thing is DH is a proud man. Last time he was unemployed he was out of work for 18 months. He would not take any job that did not have a title. He will not work more than one job. He won't work one job that pays him less than unemployment and two jobs like I have is out of the question. He is to proud to work a menial job. I think this maybe the final blow to our marriage. It almost killed us last time, we came within weeks of losing our home and at the time my kids were 3 and 8. I am a wreck to say the least.

Today I signed up to every survey site known to man. I know he is home, but other than looking at Monster.com or the paper, he will do nothing else, but complain.

I have been feeling sick to my stomach since yesterday. I feel awful...

Yes, Jen I will be there with my crew at midnight I hope others join us

I am SO sorry! My SIL and I were talking about just this thing! We are all just one or two paychecks away from homelessness! Thankfully my hubby has said before he'd be asking "Would you like fries with that" in no time flat! It would still be VERY hard on the marriage! A great big hug for you and your family!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hey Meghan!! Yes, we are going to meet that afternoon!!!! I can't wait! Hopefully I can find Shelly and some of the other girls on Sunday afternoon--you'll have to come with me!!!! Okay, I am checking out for tonight.

Shelly how did it go for your little man this afternoon?

 

[mana_liz]

Hey Shelly!! Glo and I have invited snowbirds to join us at Midnight on January 18th at Haunted Mansion..of course we could always meet earlier for those who are not late owls LOL!!!

My family may join you...where are you meeting at?

 

[mana_liz]

I called about the DDP question and the very chatty CM who had my travel dates of 2/1 - 2/4/09 in front of her said "Oh, are you planning on going to the Pirates and Princess Party?" I told her I read that it starts later in the month. She said they are changing the schedule and will release the official dates in the near future and to keep checking the Disney website. I told her if Disney has a P&PP while I'm there that I WILL buy tickets for it and be there. I asked her to tell that to whomever would have any influence on those dates!

Saw this on a Pirate and Princess thread...maybe there will be some January dates.

 

[sarbah77]

That is a good Mom. She won’t have all the birthday hang ups I have from my Christmas/birthday gifts. My Mom tried, and we always did something special. I did not have parties because only a couple would be able to come. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A DECEMBER BIRTHDAY WORST THING TO DO IS GIVE THEM A GIFT AND SAY HERE IS YOUR CHRISTMAS BIRTHDAY GIFT!EVEN WORST WRAP A BIRTHDAY GIFT IN CHRISTMAS PAPER!
Really, I am over it all.

Haha - it's the same way in my family! My mom's birthday is 12/28 and mine is 1/4. She used to pitch a fit if she got birthday presents in Christmas paper. Her sister, who basically raised her, knew better... but on Christmas, we'd have a birthday party, too. One time singing for her and one for me and all our gifts in non-Christmas paper! Of course, my mom has decided that the Christmas paper doesn't matter for my gifts anymore and... really, it doesn't. But her birthday is so close!

My blended family is crazy at the holidays.

12/25: Christmas
12/26: Aunt & Uncle's anniversary
12/27: MIL & FIL's anniversary (or the Aunt/Uncle and them are flipped)
12/28: Mom b-day
12/31: MIL birthday (even funnier, my mom was born a year earlier!)
1/4: my birthday

We like to keep the men on their toes!




OHHH! My brother's decided to join us, too! He's staying with my parents for the long weekend but will be there for the marathon. I'm psyched. I went over a year without seeing him because he was in Switzerland (I saw him in July 07 and then last week), so seeing him again in January works for me!!



I bought my Christmas cards tonight! I think I might address them this weekend, if I'm feeling unmotivated to do anything but recover. Of course, Saturday night's snow might help that.

 

[trixiequilts]

Sarah~are you going to your sale tomorrow morning?

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah~are you going to your sale tomorrow morning?

Alas, no. I realized that when my blood sugar gets wonky from not eating, I'm not the most coherant person in the world and I shouldn't drive. And DH won't drive me (how horrible!! ) so no sale for me. ;(

 

[trixiequilts]

Alas, no. I realized that when my blood sugar gets wonky from not eating, I'm not the most coherant person in the world and I shouldn't drive. And DH won't drive me (how horrible!! ) so no sale for me. ;(

Well that stinks a bit, doesn't it? You'll be in my thoughts tomorrow! Tomorrow night it will all be over!

 

[sarbah77]

Well that stinks a bit, doesn't it? You'll be in my thoughts tomorrow! Tomorrow night it will all be over!

Yes it will!! I'll be home and on the mend pretty quickly! (knock wood)

It does stink. But I did find another online store (in Plain..well? Near K'zoo) that was having a 20% off sale, too. I might have bought some stuff there..!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Sarah - best of luck tomorrow!! I know you'll be happy when it's over. Keep us posted on your recovery when you can. I'll be thinking of you and Kayte too!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

I don't have much time these days to sit and but I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers out to Kayte, Sarah and Glo! Kayte and Sarah, hope your surgeries go well tomorrow and everything is fine! I wish very speedy recovery to both of you! Glo - I really hope and pray that all will be well with your family! It breaks my heart to hear of situations like yours - so sad! I truly hope that things improve! I really hope that your Disney trip will be a bright spot in your lives!

Welcome to all new Snowbirds! Welcome to the Additive insanity that is the Snowbirds thread! Prepare yourself for lots of friendship and much mirth and laughter!

To my beloved snowbirds - Anybody who will be in WDW at the same time as me - I would be honored to meet anyone of you and stop to gives hugs, handshakes and have my photo taken with you! Let's work it out! Surely some of us will be in the same place at the same time! Shelly I will PM you my tentative schedule sometime tomorrow!

Love and sweet dreams to all, and to all a good night!

 

[snykymom]

Hugs to all the snowbirds who need it today- health reasons, work situations, and unfortunate economic reasons.

I'm getting really worried about the economic situation we are headed for and I even catch myself wondering if going to Disney is the right thing to do at this time. I really want to enjoy a worry free week of magic with my family. And who knows what tomorrow may bring- I don't want to look back and regret not going. This may be the last trip with my parents and I want my children (and me) to have those memories and pictures to look back at one day.

I had exactly the same thoughts. My trip is with my d, not my parents, though - and I realized that she's almost gone. I don't know how much longer she'll want to travel with me; she'll have her own life and responsibilities soon. And we need some mother-daughter bonding time. Who knows when we'll be able to go away again? So we're going!

Hey Disney Friends!

My name is Kelley and we're going to Disney in Jan 09!! We're getting very excited. It's actually a "last minute" trip planned and I'm starting to panic!

We are staying in a timeshare in Lake Buena Vista, so we won't actually be on Disney this time. This is my son's first trip though and he's very excited. (He'll be 3 in December).

I still have SO much planning to do so any advice would be great!! Please give me any advice or direct me to some great resources! Couple questions though:

I keep hearing about discount codes for theme park tickets? We haven't purchased our tickets yet and I wondering if we could find some discounts.

How many meals to you make reservations for? I'm trying to decide if I should make reservations for more than one meal a day or leave some plans open.

I feel like I'm so far behind, but looking forward to meeting each of you and getting lots of ideas!!

Hi, Kelley. Welcome! Undercover Tourist is a great place to buy discounted tickets - it's not a huge discount, but any little bit helps. You can find them at www.undercovertourist.com. One nice thing about their tickets is that they're not only cheaper, but they're returnable if something changes. You can also sign up for the Mousesavers newsletter at www.mousesavers.com, and use the link that they have to Undercover Tourist for an additional discount. The newsletter usually comes out around the 15th of each month. Tickets come in about 5-7 business days (they promise 15, but it's usually less) so you don't have to rush to order them.

That is a good Mom. She won’t have all the birthday hang ups I have from my Christmas/birthday gifts. My Mom tried, and we always did something special. I did not have parties because only a couple would be able to come. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A DECEMBER BIRTHDAY WORST THING TO DO IS GIVE THEM A GIFT AND SAY HERE IS YOUR CHRISTMAS BIRTHDAY GIFT!EVEN WORST WRAP A BIRTHDAY GIFT IN CHRISTMAS PAPER!
Really, I am over it all.

Haha - it's the same way in my family! My mom's birthday is 12/28 and mine is 1/4. She used to pitch a fit if she got birthday presents in Christmas paper. Her sister, who basically raised her, knew better... but on Christmas, we'd have a birthday party, too. One time singing for her and one for me and all our gifts in non-Christmas paper! Of course, my mom has decided that the Christmas paper doesn't matter for my gifts anymore and... really, it doesn't. But her birthday is so close!

My birthday is December 14, which was really bad. Chanukah is a different week every year, and most years my birthday is either just before, just after or during Chanukah. My parents were always careful, but the rest of the family kept doing the "this is a bigger present for Chanukah and your birthday" (and of course it never was bigger!). Then in college & grad school, all my friends were either studying for midterms/finals or had already left for home, so I never got to celebrate my birthday. Now, DH is a musician, so every year, usually on my birthday, he's playing a Christmas concert or Messiah, so I still don't get to celebrate my birthday on my birthday.

I used to be so jealous of my brother, born in July. By the time he got tired of his Chanukah presents, he got his birthday presents! It's tough being a December baby!

OK, I'm over it, too.

 

[sarbah77]

My birthday is December 14, which was really bad. Chanukah is a different week every year, and most years my birthday is either just before, just after or during Chanukah. My parents were always careful, but the rest of the family kept doing the "this is a bigger present for Chanukah and your birthday" (and of course it never was bigger!). Then in college & grad school, all my friends were either studying for midterms/finals or had already left for home, so I never got to celebrate my birthday. Now, DH is a musician, so every year, usually on my birthday, he's playing a Christmas concert or Messiah, so I still don't get to celebrate my birthday on my birthday.

I used to be so jealous of my brother, born in July. By the time he got tired of his Chanukah presents, he got his birthday presents! It's tough being a December baby!

OK, I'm over it, too.

We can be over it, together!! My brother is an August baby so he would always have a birthday party and get a STACK of presents. Like you, Jan 4 is right between semesters. In fact, at the U, it's the day BEFORE classes start... so my work birthday party will be rushed because it's the frist day of the semester. Dang it!! When I turned 21, we were on break, so my parents took me out (though, I never did drink ENOUGH for them!! )

Now, my parents say "oh, you know CHRISTMAS" and I generally get my birthday presents in February. And usually an "OH CRAP HI ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!" email at 6am on my birthday. One year, I called the night before, just to say hi and we chatted away. The next morning, my birthday, each parent sent me an email saying "oops, didn't realize when we talked to you that it was nearly your birthday!" While you don't celebrate Christmas, did your parents ever lose your birthday in the shuffle? (It frustrates me since, HI, one week between my mom and me!!) (on the plus side, since MIL shares her b-day with New Year's Eve, she's super careful to make sure I get a card as close to my birthday as possible)

BUT! THIS YEAR! We've already decided to celebrate - Mom and I - our birthdays together in Disney. Does it get better? I submit that it does not!!

+++

Also, thank you everyone for your well wishes. It's really amazing to have such a great group of women looking out for me!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hey Meghan!! Yes, we are going to meet that afternoon!!!! I can't wait! Hopefully I can find Shelly and some of the other girls on Sunday afternoon--you'll have to come with me!!!! Okay, I am checking out for tonight.

Shelly how did it go for your little man this afternoon?

First off, I have to get used to your new avatar. It's really throwing me off, but I love it! I would love to meet up with Shelly and others on Sunday, but I will be at Epcot that day. I really wouldn't mind putting together a list of where people will be on certain days. I can't do the whole month, but maybe we could volunteer for different weeks?? I can do my dates (Jan 24-31) for sure. Is this a good idea???

Glo-Lots of to you right now. I have that everything works out ok!
Kayte and Sarah- You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I hope that you will update us when you can on your surgeries.

Well, I'm off to bed now. I have a very busy day ahead of me tomorrow. LOTS of errands to run and then off to the DVC travel show in Rochester with my DD! So exciting! I'll let you all know how it goes! Have a great Friday!

 

[Remmy]

Sarah and Kayte, hope tomorrow goes well for both of you, and you both have speedy recoveries.

As for me, I haven't been around to much...DH hit me with I am about to be unemployed. He is the mayor breadwinner in our house. I teach plus work a part time job. Not enough to support our family of five that is for sure. My oldest is in the middle of filling out college applications, and I have twins who are 12. Christmas is coming up and thank goodness I am almost done and it is paid for in full, no credit. My trips are paid in full, so most of it is non refundable, so we are going.

The thing is DH is a proud man. Last time he was unemployed he was out of work for 18 months. He would not take any job that did not have a title. He will not work more than one job. He won't work one job that pays him less than unemployment and two jobs like I have is out of the question. He is to proud to work a menial job. I think this maybe the final blow to our marriage. It almost killed us last time, we came within weeks of losing our home and at the time my kids were 3 and 8. I am a wreck to say the least.

Today I signed up to every survey site known to man. I know he is home, but other than looking at Monster.com or the paper, he will do nothing else, but complain.

I have been feeling sick to my stomach since yesterday. I feel awful...

Yes, Jen I will be there with my crew at midnight I hope others join us

My heart goes out to you. My DH is just too lazy, his words not mine to go out and find jobs. I applied online for his second last job, and for the job he has currently, I finally bugged him enough and threatened to physically go up and hand in his resume for him, if he wasn't going to go. I am glad you are all paid up for your trip and Christmas. I wish you the best. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hang in.

Your Snowbird Friend, Remmy

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Good night everyone! Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow and the surgeries go well for Sarah and Kayte!
TGIF!

 

[Remmy]

I wish everyone a good day tomorrow.

My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

I hope tomorrow will be a happy day for all of us.

Good night,
Remmy